cannabisnews.com: Pot Bill To Be Paired with Anti-Drug Initiative





Pot Bill To Be Paired with Anti-Drug Initiative
Posted by CN Staff on May 27, 2003 at 06:26:06 PT
By The CTV.ca News Staff
Source: CTV
Ottawa is set to unveil a $240 million strategy aimed at educating Canadians about the harm caused by pot smoking. The initiative comes as Justice Minister Martin Cauchon prepares to table his marijuana decriminalization bill.The Globe and Mail reports the education initiative will include a communications campaign, more research on marijuana and increased police surveillance. It will also include the establishment of a special secretariat.
Opponents say the new anti-drug campaign was hastily assembled in response to criticism of the government's plans to make possession and use of small amounts of marijuana -- 15 grams or less -- a non-criminal offence. According to reports, the draft legislation, which is to be unveiled Tuesday morning, will include fines of $150 for possession of pot under 15 grams, with a reduced penalty of $100 for minors. Possession of more than 30 grams would still result in jail time. Other offences, such as possession or use of marijuana while driving or smoking pot in particularly inappropriate places -- such as on the steps of parliament on in a playground -- would also result in increased fines.Together, the new bill and anti-drug strategy convey a somewhat confusing message. Liberals insist their intention in decriminalizing pot was never to encourage its use but rather to reduce the strain on the Canadian court system by changing the penalties.The Globe reports the legislation is opposed by as many as 20 Liberals who are urging a delay. The new drug strategy is aimed at countering their criticism that decriminalizing pot will make it socially acceptable.Source: CTV (Canada)Published: May 27, 2003Copyright: 2003 Bell Globemedia Interactive Inc. Website: http://www.ctv.ca/Contact: newsonline ctv.ca Related Articles & Web Site:Cannabis News Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htm Ottawa To Preach Perils of Pot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16395.shtmlTop Cop Agrees With Plan To Ease Pot Laws http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16389.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Comment #1 posted by til on May 27, 2003 at 07:56:56 PT
The truth will be revealed
Social responsibility,education and moderation of Marijuana use will have a greater effect than present programs and effects for alchol.
[ Post Comment ]


Post Comment